300-1 Miracle at Exeter: Blowers Joins the All-Time Underdogs

David Cummings / 2:13 PM GMT • 18th December, 2025

2 minutes

Record-breaking shock victory Exeter and the biggest outsiders ever to triumph on British and Irish soil.

Blowers stunned the racing world at Exeter, producing an extraordinary upset as he carried the longest odds ever seen for a winner in British racing history. Sent off at a remarkable 300-1, the Nigel Hawke-trained outsider powered through testing conditions to score in what will go down as one of the sport’s most unforgettable results.

A New Benchmark for Long Shots

Blowers’ Exeter success didn’t just turn heads, it reset the record books. The previous British record had stood since 1990 when Equinoctial landed a Kelso novice handicap hurdle at 250-1. 

In fact, only a handful of horses have ever won at triple-figure odds this long in Britain and Ireland. On the Flat and over jumps, the following are among the longest-priced winners on record:

• He Knows No Fear – 300-1: The Irish raider made history at Leopardstown in August 2020 when he claimed victory in a maiden race at the same massive odds later matched by Blowers.
• Sawbuck – 300-1: Just two years later, Sawbuck equalled that feat at Punchestown, defying his prior poor form to score in a maiden hurdle. 
• Equinoctial – 250-1: Before the 300-1 winners, this Kelso victor held the British record for more than three decades. 
• Killahara Castle – 200-1: The Irish mare enjoyed an eye-catching hurdle win at Thurles at massive odds. 
• Dandy Flame – 200-1: A shock all-weather winner at Wolverhampton, this colt showed how unpredictably big prices can pay off. 

These results underline just how rare and extraordinary Blowers’ triumph truly is.

Exeter’s card was threatened by persistent rain, with more than 50mm falling before racing and conditions officially described as heavy. When the first went to post, very few were left in contention as the field slogged towards home.

Only Blowers and 5-4 favourite On The Bayou remained in touch approaching the final obstacle. In a memorable finish, James Best coaxed every last yard from the outsider to pull off a memorable victory.

Our own Stephen Welch watched in shock...

Best’s involvement was nearly a story in itself. He was handed the ride on the morning of the race only after Ella Herbison, originally booked to partner Blowers, missed her flight. Best later admitted he almost ignored the call from an unknown number that changed his day  and racing history. 

Blowers carries a name loaded with sporting nostalgia, honouring of cricket commentator Henry Blofeld. He descends from Irish Derby winner Jack Hobbs, himself named after the iconic English batsman. Best later rode another cricket-inspired runner, Bradman, named after the legendary Don Bradman, on the same Exeter card.